3 Bold Predictions for Michigan vs Wisconsin Big Ten Battle
By Michael Luciano
Get ready to throw it back to the 1940s, because Wisconsin and Michigan are here to get some old-school Big Ten football going in one of the best matchups on the Week 4 slate.
3. Michigan's D Holds Jonathan Taylor Under 100 Yards
Despite a horrendous showing against Ohio State last year, Don Brown is one of the best defensive coordinators in all of college football. You can bet that Michigan is going to have a renewed emphasis on stopping the run, with stacked boxes galore in an attempt to slow down the Heisman candidate that is Jonathan Taylor. As good as Taylor and the Wisconsin o-line are Michigan's defense will give them a rough afternoon.
2. Jack Coan Throws for Two Touchdowns
Coan is by no means Trevor Lawrence, but he's finally given Paul Chryst a quarterback who can throw the ball more than 15 yards downfield. With Michigan focused on stopping Taylor, Coan will be free to pick apart what should be a outmanned secondary. Don't be surprised if Coan pierces the vaunted Wolverines pass defense for a touchdown or two while they fixate on Taylor.
1. Wisconsin Wins Late on a Shea Patterson Pick
His offensive line and receivers might be better this year, but Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson has not taken a big step forward this season. He hasn't meshed totally with Josh Gattis' offense, which is problematic against Chryst's defense that values organization and hard tackling. Patterson is talented enough to keep the Wolverines in this game, but the Badgers should capitalize on a mistake late and take home a win.